Big Sam’s Funky Nation

We get a lot of publicists ringing up the telephone trying to pitch us on coverage of their touring acts. More often than not, the calls come from Los Angeeles, and the publicist calls our fair city Al-bany. It’s a rare pleasure, though, when the voice on the other end drawls a cool “How-y’all-doin’?” Chances are there’s a bit of New Orleans coming through. That will definitely be the case on Friday when Big Sam’s Funky Nation roll into Red Square. The second line is going to be extra long this time, too, since they’ll have Albany’s own Oobleck supporting. The horn-driven funk outfit have a new record in their pocket to boot, so you can count on this one being bonnaroo. (Nov. 9, 8 PM, $10, 388 Broadway, Albany, 465-0444)